Page 37 of Backdraft
The sun flickered through the leaves giving a lovely morning light as I drove down the street watching for my turn. With the window open, the cab filled with the scent of freshly mowed lawn and flowers. I loved summer. It was just so wonderfully perfect.
The scent of the grass threw me back to my childhood. Before the fire that had ruined everything. It was probably one of the last times I'd ever felt safe or happy.
I inhaled a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out nice and slow. It wasn't often I felt this light, with the weight of the pressures momentarily forgotten. It was difficult to hold on to the calm and contented feeling that filled the emptiness inside me.
I turned at the next stop sign. The trees were bigger, the yards wider, the homes older, and I think I fell in love. This neighborhood was lovely and perfect for raising a family. My heart pinched.
Perhaps one day. I shook it off and watched carefully for the next turn. We'd agreed this arrangement was strictly for convenience. Were we friends? Maybe colleagues. I couldn't quite put my finger on what we were. Previous fuck buddies?
I cringed. That was kind of hard, but it was the truth. Right?
Dwelling on our pact wouldn't do any good, especially since we'd both agreed it was not too bad we’d bumped into each other. All we could do was to give it a go and see how things played out. Could we go from lovers, separation, to friends, and back to lovers?
But damn! Now all I could think of was our how we reconnected, and the connection we obviously still had. The memories of our weekend blended with our recent encounters and I knew it would be impossible to put them back in Pandora's box.
Damn, Pandora and her box anyway!
The GPS voiced my next turn.
The final turn.
I reminded myself I knew absolutely nothing about him, nor did he know anything about me. But what I did know was how excellent we were in bed together. I also knew he had a caring side. He had offered his place. I couldn't forget what I’d overheard though…that he’d potentially killed someone.
I drew in a shaky breath and leaned forward, watching for his driveway and giving myself a stern talking to that I could do this. It would be fine.
Cinder let out a long yowl.
I stuck my finger through the door on the cat carrier. He nudged it, and I glanced at him. His beautiful eyes watched me. He was a very rare and loving cat. I was glad he’d picked me.
"We're almost there, and then you have the run of the place." I turned my attention back to the street when the GPS announced I’d arrived at my destination.
I was pleasantly surprised. I hadn’t really known what to expect, but it definitely hadn’t been this. As I drove into his driveway, I couldn't shake the feeling like I was coming home.
* * *
Taylor met Drea in the driveway. He was looking forward to their new arrangement.
He grabbed two of her duffle bags and a leather satchel while she got a few other smaller bags and the cat carrier.
"Come on in. Let's get you and Cinder settled and take your bags up to your room."
Taylor led the way, fully aware of her behind him. He'd been worried about this change since he'd blurted out his offer yesterday without any forethought.
Spontaneity wasn’t in his character, so he’d surprised himself and her as well He'd been so careful to keep his emotions in check and remain distant after the death of his sister-in-law that he'd had a difficult time bouncing back from.
Deep down he still felt he’d failed people, and the results of that had been far-reaching. It had shaken his confidence, and it wasn’t easy to overcome feeling inadequate. It had estranged him from his brother. He could only hope one day they would be able to mend their relationship.
The result was Taylor never wanted it to happen again, or to be responsible for someone else, and yet, here he was, helping someone in need.
He'd been concerned for Drea, though. The kind of intimacy they’d shared in Denver wasn’t easy to forget.
He put her bags down.
"Should I let him out here?" Taylor asked.
"I should put his litter somewhere and show it to him. Where is best?" Drea held up shopping bags.
"How about in the laundry room? It's off the mudroom at the back of the kitchen."
